Describes the first library-sponsored Electronic Bulletin Board System (BBS), begun in November 1981 at North-Pulaski Branch of Chicago Public Library. Examples of logon routines, menu displays, recent features of the People's Message System, and censorship statements are included. BBS sources (noting address and price) and a nine-item…

Discusses use of microcomputer hardware and software, telecommunications methods, and advanced library methods to create a specialized information center's database of literature relating to farm machinery and food processing. Systems and services (electronic messaging, serials control, database creation, cataloging, collections, circulation,…

Describes the development of online computer searching, some problems experienced in libraries offering search services, and some future considerations. Includes the roles of government, libraries, and the commercial sector. (Author/LS)

Describes Reflink, a system based on sophisticated information retrieval techniques which is housed in a small microcomputer, and its predecessor, Reference Librarian Enhancement System (REFLES). The systems are placed in a conceptual framework involving stable and dynamic information, and several illustrations of multiple uses are presented. Four…

The results of a survey of machine-readable data bases in Wisconsin are reported. Fifty-eight data bases accessed by Wisconsin libraries are listed alphabetically. Included in the descriptions are the name of the data base, its subject coverage, its availability, the year it began, the frequency of update, the current size of the file, the name of…

Trends in electronic editions, on-demand publishing, and online publishing are reviewed and their potential effects on library services and organization are discussed, including library material selection, acquisitions, cataloging, serials, circulation, and home printers. Thirteen references are provided. (EJS)

Issues and impacts of microcomputer use in libraries are discussed in terms of labor dislocation, costs, distributed data processing, networks, current system configurations and capabilities, and software. Reference service management, information retrieval systems, and external online access are also examined. Twenty-six references are listed.…

The computer design of the system serving the 53 library systems of the Washington Library Network provides nine online files through its integrated bibliographic and acquisitions subsystems. The bibliographic subsystem provides an authority file of author, title, series, and subject headings; a bibliographic file of MARC records on books, films,…

Four articles outline problems, programing, case studies, and hardware/software selection in library use of microcomputer-based electronic bulletin board systems (BBS). Highlights include the North-Pulaski (Chicago, Illinois) BBS, features of Liverpool Public Library (New York) system, and misuse of a library BBS (obscenity, bulletin board…

Discusses issues involved in offering printing for online library catalogs and weighs advantages and disadvantages of screen printing versus remote printing--speed, quality, privacy, convenience, noise, control, costs, accessibility and service. Additional technical issues discussed are buffered versus unbuffered asynchronous printer ports,…

Preliminary description of design of electronic library and home information delivery system highlights potentials of personal computer interface program (applying for service, assuring that users are valid, checking for measures, searching, locating titles) and incorporation of concepts used in other information systems (security checks,…

Argues that libraries will become extinct in the future if they do not take on a more active role in serving the information needs of patrons, and advocates the development of expertise at switching centers for electronic information. Seven references are listed. (LLS)

Describes method of keeping track of search service and database changes through use of database information files stored on microcomputer in use at Computer Search Service, State University of New York Albany. System configuration, file structure, data input forms, system reports, database fact sheets, and search service brochure are highlighted.…

This article discusses similarities between the local bulletin board system (BBS) and the public library. Highlights include components of the small BBS (system operator, host computer, "messaging" software, auto-answer device, connection to one or more phone lines); uploading and downloading; notes from the board; and the role of the…

Describes use of selective dissemination of information (SDI) feature on DIALOG at Sandia Technical Library to produce bulletin announcing library acquisitions of technical reports in microfiche. Microfiche acquisition, developing profile, assembling profile output, costs, and suggestions for improvement are highlighted. Examples of SDI profiles…